A prison sentence of 5 to 10 years and a fine of 4 million Burundian francs awaits any journalist who publishes election results before the official announcement by the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI), according to its spokesperson, François Bizimana.
Journalists have been urged to avoid spreading false news, hate speech, or anything that might demoralize Burundians during this election period, which began on Thursday, July 5, 2025.
During a meeting held on June 2, 2025, the Minister of Information, LĂ©ocadie Ndacayisaba, together with CENI officials, convened to select journalists who will be part of a media network authorized to report on the election process throughout the country.
In that meeting, Minister LĂ©ocadie Ndacayisaba strongly cautioned journalists to exercise restraint and not rush to publish unverified information during the elections.
CENI spokesman François Bizimana reminded journalists to strictly adhere to Article 239 of the electoral law, which states that anyone who releases election results before CENI does so will face 5 to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of 4 million Burundian francs.
A coalition of 29 radio stations, several television outlets, and 30 online media platforms has been authorized to follow and report on the elections throughout the country. Their coverage is to be broadcast live via the national radio station.
